Optimizing Solid Waste Management: A Holistic Approach by Informed Carbon Emission Reduction

Abstract

Reducing carbon monoxide (CO) emissions is imperative for safeguarding human health and environment. CO adversely affects respiratory health, contributing to respiratory problems and, in severe cases, fatalities. Its reduction aligns with the broader efforts to combat climate change, as CO is often emitted alongside other greenhouse gases. Environmental consequences include air pollution and its detrimental impact on ecosystems. Compliance with emission standards is essential, and reducing Carbon emissions can lead to social and economic benefits, such as increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs. Moreover, the focus on emission reduction drives technological innovation, fostering the development of cleaner and sustainable technologies. In essence, addressing CO emissions is vital for creating a healthier, more sustainable future. However, in most of the cases, there has been no much importance given in scientific management of solid wastes. This has therefore resulted in large magnitude of carbon emission causing serious implications. This paper presents a novel approach to solid waste management, combining carbon emission assessment with advanced object detection technology. We develop an integrated waste management model that employs machine learning techniques for the identification and categorization of metals, non-metals, and plastics within the solid waste stream. To optimize waste sorting and recycling processes, we implement an efficient object detection system that leverages computer vision algorithms. This system enhances the precision of material identification within solid waste, thereby improving sorting accuracy. Additionally, we establish a database to quantify carbon emissions associated with distinct waste management methods, encompassing incineration, composting, recycling, bioremediation, and landfills is used for this work. The novelty of the work lies in the integration of CO2 emissions data and object detection resulting into a decision-making model, providing a holistic evaluation of the environmental impact of varied waste management scenarios. The formulation of recommendations for sustainable waste management practices based on the integrated assessment of carbon footprints and material identification is easy to implement in real world.The technical framework proposed here, aims to inform decision-makers on adopting environmentally conscious strategies for waste management. © 2024 The Authors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.